THAT GUY

The Lodger have championed the art of the pop single since their formation in Leeds in 2004, led by Ben Siddall’s warm vocals and shimmering guitars. Across two acclaimed albums—Grown-Ups (2006) and Flashbacks (2009)—and three early 7″ releases on boutique indie labels, they forged a reputation for timelessly youthful melodies and precise arrangements. Their singles became coveted collector’s items, elevating the format itself to cult status in the vein of The Clientele. Critics and fans alike praised their ability to marry jangly guitar lines with subtle brass flourishes, crafting songs that feel both joyous and enduring. Now, with “I Think I Need You,” their fifth 7″ and first on Elefant Records, the band proudly unveils their first-ever slow-tempo single: a mid-tempo gem featuring crystalline guitar work and a plaintive trumpet motif that underscores Siddall’s evocative lyrics. The B-side, “I Can’t Stop,” channels Morrissey-esque urgency into a danceable homage to The Smiths, while the uplifting “This Is Good Fortune” delivers a sunlit chorus to banish weekday monotony. Closer “That Guy” distills their essence into a one-minute whirlwind crescendo—proof that The Lodger’s concise songwriting continues to captivate. With each meticulously crafted single, The Lodger reaffirm their belief that the three-minute pop song remains music’s most powerful form of expression.